it was indeed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was indeed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to emphasize that a statement is true or to confirm something. For example: "I'm happy to see you again, it was indeed a long time since we last met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was indeed remarkable.

The Economist

It was indeed.

The New York Times

IT WAS indeed awesome.

The Economist

It was indeed tough.

The New York Times

It was, indeed, very good.

Independent

But it was indeed ready.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was, indeed, iconic.

Independent

It was indeed damaged.

The New York Times

It was indeed splendid.

The Guardian - Music

It was indeed paid.

The New York Times

It was indeed transcendent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was indeed" to add emphasis or formality to a statement, especially when confirming something previously mentioned or implied.

Common error

Avoid using "it was indeed" too frequently in casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was" or "yes, it was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was indeed" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase used to emphasize or confirm a preceding statement. Ludwig highlights numerous examples where this phrase reinforces the truth or validity of a claim.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was indeed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that adds emphasis or confirmation to a statement. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence in News & Media contexts, where it lends a sense of certainty. Although suitable for many settings, its slightly formal tone suggests reserving it for contexts where such emphasis is desired. Ludwig AI provides confirmation of the phrase's validity, supported by an abundance of real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it certainly was

Emphasizes certainty more strongly than "it was indeed".

it truly was

Highlights the genuine nature of the statement.

indeed it was

Inverts the phrase for emphasis or stylistic variation.

it really was

Uses "really" to show the statement is true.

it actually was

Suggests a sense of surprise or unexpectedness.

it definitely was

Emphasizes the lack of doubt about the statement.

it absolutely was

Highlights the completeness and certainty of the statement.

it without a doubt was

Conveys a feeling of total certainty.

it most certainly was

Highlights the truth of the statement.

it indubitably was

A more formal and less common way to express certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "it was indeed" in a sentence?

You can use "it was indeed" to confirm a statement or emphasize its truth. For example, "The task was challenging, it was indeed."

What are some alternatives to "it was indeed"?

Some alternatives include "it certainly was", "it truly was", or "indeed it was", depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is "it was indeed" formal or informal?

"It was indeed" leans towards the formal side. Simpler phrases like "it was" or "yes, it was" are more appropriate for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "it was indeed" and "it was actually"?

"It was indeed" confirms or emphasizes a prior statement. "It was actually", conversely, implies surprise or unexpectedness. For instance, "I thought it would be easy, but it was indeed difficult". Vs. "I thought it would be hard, but "it was actually" easy".